Step into the cozy yet thrilling world of the Pine Lake Inn Cozy Mystery series, where charming innkeepers solve murders with a dash of supernatural flair! Written by K.J. Emrick, this delightful series whisks readers to the quaint Australian town of Lakeshore, where Adelle 'Dell' Powers and her best friend Rosie Ryan run the quirky Pine Lake Inn, a tourist hotspot with secrets lurking in every corner.
Blending traditional cozy mystery elements like small-town charm and clever sleuthing with ghostly twists, this series offers a fresh spin on the genre. Whether you're a fan of puzzling whodunits or love a touch of the paranormal, Pine Lake Inn Cozy Mystery invites you to unravel its mysteries with a cup of tea in hand.
How Pine Lake Inn Cozy Mystery Began
K.J. Emrick, a prolific Australian author known for her Darcy Sweet Mystery series, launched Pine Lake Inn Cozy Mystery in 2015 with Death in Room 7. Inspired by her love for cozy mysteries and her South Australian roots, Emrick crafted a series that captures the warmth of small-town life while weaving in eerie supernatural elements. A spin-off from her Darcy Sweet books, Pine Lake Inn introduced Dell and Rosie, whose innkeeping adventures quickly won over fans with their charm and pluck.
Emrick, writing under a pseudonym, drew on her knack for blending relatable characters with intricate plots. At 51, she realized her publishing dreams through Amazon’s Kindle platform, bringing her vivid storytelling to a global audience. Her passion for mysteries and the Australian landscape shines through, making Lakeshore a character in its own right.
The Heart of Pine Lake Inn Cozy Mystery
The series kicks off with Death in Room 7 (2015), where Dell’s friend Jessica is found dead at the inn, and her ghost guides Dell to clues overlooked by the police. In Digging for Trouble (2015), Dell stumbles upon a century-old murder mystery while investigating a local eccentric’s strange behavior. Murder, Wrapped Up (2015) brings festive chaos when a federal officer’s death lands Dell in jail, forcing her to clear her name before Christmas. Later, The Chalice Thief (2017) sees Dell tackling the theft of a legendary Tasmanian artifact amidst personal drama.
Themes of friendship, resilience, and curiosity drive the series, with Dell and Rosie’s bond anchoring each tale. The Australian setting—think Tasmanian beaches, bush trails, and cozy pubs—adds a unique flavor, while supernatural elements like ghosts and mysterious artifacts lend an otherworldly edge. Emrick’s light, engaging style keeps the pacing brisk, with twists that keep readers guessing until the final page.
Lakeshore’s quirky residents, from Dell’s police officer son Kevin to the enigmatic Mr. Brewster, enrich the stories, creating a vibrant community that feels like home. Whether it’s a haunted chalice or a politician’s murder, each book delivers a satisfying blend of heart, humor, and suspense.
Why Pine Lake Inn Cozy Mystery Resonates
Pine Lake Inn Cozy Mystery has carved a niche in the cozy mystery genre, delighting fans with its blend of down-to-earth sleuthing and paranormal pizzazz. Readers praise the series for its relatable characters and immersive Australian setting, with reviews highlighting Emrick’s ability to craft page-turners that feel both comforting and thrilling. The series’ focus on strong female leads like Dell and Rosie resonates with audiences seeking empowering, fun heroines.
Its lasting appeal lies in its ability to balance cozy staples—small-town gossip, warm friendships—with unexpected twists, like ghostly interventions or century-old crimes. For fans of authors like Elizabeth J. Duncan or Kaitlyn Dunnett, Pine Lake Inn offers a fresh, Antipodean take on the genre, proving that even a small town can hold big mysteries.
- First Published: 2015
- Number of Books: At least 11, with box sets available
- Setting: Lakeshore, Tasmania, Australia
- Author: K.J. Emrick, pseudonym for Kathrine Emrick
Ready to check into the Pine Lake Inn? Grab Death in Room 7 and dive into a world of cozy mysteries, ghostly clues, and Australian charm!